If you’re after CrossCountry First Class tickets, look no further. At Trainline, we’ll show you what exactly is on offer, from luxurious seats to complimentary meals and much more. Don’t be put off by the thought of paying more than you would in Standard either, as there are ways to find cheap First Class train tickets too! Read on for a complete guide to CrossCountry First Class.

What do you get with CrossCountry in First Class?

As well as all the usual amenities you'll find in Standard Class on CrossCountry trains (luggage racks, toilets, bike storage, etc.), travelling in First Class means you get access to a few extra perks before and during your trip.

Running their services between the South West, the South Coast, the North East, Wales and Scotland, CrossCountry trains offer plenty of amenities on their First Class carriages, including:

  • Complimentary food and drinks
  • Larger reclining seats
  • Extra table space
  • Free WiFi

CrossCountry First Class menu

CrossCountry offer a complimentary food and drink service on their trains throughout the day in First Class, meaning you can arrive at your destination full of energy and ready to go.

 

Here’s an idea of what you can expect during your journey if you're travelling Monday to Friday:

  • A selection of teas and coffees
  • Bottled still or sparkling water
  • Snacks such as biscuits or muffins

In addition to drinks and snacks, customers on longer journeys can choose from a range of complimentary sandwiches and hot meals (weekdays only).

CrossCountry First Class seating plan

You'll normally find First Class seating in coach A on all trains operated by CrossCountry and in coaches A and B on their high-speed fleet. First Class coaches are easy to find on CrossCountry trains as they're normally signposted by the door. The seats are more spaced out than in Standard Class, although they follow the same arrangement on either sitting at a table of four or two seats next to each other. The extra option in First Class are single seats with their own table, perfect for solo travellers who want their own space.

Popular CrossCountry First Class routes

Check out our guides to travelling First Class on some of CrossCountry's most popular routes.

Newcastle to Edinburgh

Departs from

Newcastle

Arrives into

Edinburgh Waverley

First Class lounge

Newcastle only – partial access to LNER First Class lounge

 

Find out more about taking the train from Newcastle to Edinburgh.

Glasgow to Newcastle

Departs from

Glasgow Central

Arrives into

Newcastle

First Class lounge

Not available

 

Find out more about taking the train from Glasgow to Newcastle.

How to get cheap CrossCountry First Class tickets

There are different ways you can get cheap CrossCountry First Class train tickets without having to pay over the odds. Our top tips for saving money on First Class train tickets are:

Travel Off-Peak

Tickets for travel during Off-Peak hours (anytime outside of Monday to Friday rush hours) are normally cheaper, plus the trains are usually quieter too.

Book in advance

CrossCountry usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks before the departure date, usually at their cheapest price. So, book your tickets as early as possible if you want to save a pretty penny or two.

Use a Railcard

There are several Railcards in the UK you can use to save up to 1/3 on First Class train tickets. Check out which one you might be eligible for and buy online on our Railcards page.

Search for split tickets

‘Splitting’ your journey into several sections and buying tickets for each part can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single ticket on longer journeys. Our ticket-splitting app feature, SplitSave, does the hard part for you.

Good to know (FAQs)

What does CrossCountry First Class include?

As well as more spacious and comfortable seating, First Class on CrossCountry trains includes free WiFi and complimentary food and drinks during your journey.

Do you get free food with CrossCountry First Class tickets?

Yes. All passengers travelling First Class during the week (Monday to Friday) with CrossCountry will get complimentary food and drinks served to their seats.

Do CrossCountry trains have First Class lounges?

No, unfortunately CrossCountry trains don't offer First Class lounges. However, if for example you're travelling from Newcastle to Edinburgh and part of your journey is on an LNER train, or your ticket isn't valid only for travel on CrossCountry, you'll be able to access LNER's First Class lounge at Newcastle station.

Find out more about CrossCountry

Want to know more about CrossCountry? Check out some of our guides to travelling with CrossCountry and by train in Great Britain for info on train times, Season tickets and more.

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